As many of you know, a GIS professional (GISP) certification program has been established in partnership by URISA , AAG , and NSGIC . While this certification is not yet formally recognized by the State of Utah (read strictly optional ), it has been argued that this could be a positive step for folks in the GIS field. Certification or licensure is cited one of 8 key attributes that define a field as a 'Profession' (DL Pugh) and it is the hope of GISCI , the organization formed to administer the GISP program, that certification will foster a core group of GIS professionals committed to the:

• ethical application of Geographic Information Science and Technology,
• mentoring of young GIS professionals,
• further development and promotion of the GIS profession.
  

If you are interested in becoming certified as a GIS Professional (GISP) keep in mind that the Grandfathering Provision for certification closes December 31, 2008. All applications requesting consideration for Grandfathering must be postmarked by this date.

The Grandfathering Provision is intended for individuals with a long history of GIS experience that may have not had opportunities for formal GIS education. The Provision requires documentation of your Experience only and does not require documentation of GIS-related Education or Professional Activities.

For more information on the GISP, review the documentation at:

http://www.gisci.org

and specifically, for the grandfathering provision

http://www.gisci.org/grandfathering_provision.aspx  

But, here are some highlights:

You are eligible for Grandfathering if you have:

• 8 years in a GIS position of data analysis, system design, programming, or similar position OR
• 13 1/3 years in a GIS position of data compilation, teaching, or similar position OR
• 20 years in a GIS User Position OR
• A combination of the above positions that results in a total of at least 200 points as computed using the values established in the GISCI application (education, experience, outreach/service, teaching, presentations, conferences, etc)